REGISTER

CHAIR’S WELCOME
Clare Dinnis
Deputy Director of Strategy, Environment Agency and Chair
of Advisory Committee
Welcome to the Flood and Coast
Conference 2017. This is a fantastic
opportunity for the flood and
coastal risk community to come
together to share the latest in
delivery and research, learn from one another’s
experiences, and build resilience through connections.
After the success of the first event in 2016 we are
delighted to return with a programme developed
by a range of flood and coastal risk management
partners, including professionals involved in scheme
design and delivery as well as public authorities
and community groups that help to plan and build
resilience to flooding.
This year we will explore three themes essential
to the delivery of effective flood and coastal risk
management (FCRM). On Day 1 we will look at
leadership in FCRM, with examples of leadership
and new initiatives across different parts of the FCRM
community – council partners, infrastructure providers,
business, agriculture and local communities.
Following the devastating floods in winter 2015/16
we have seen a new dynamic in partnership
working across England, driving forward planning at
catchment level through collaborative partnerships.
I am delighted that we have representatives from
some of these initiatives to share their experiences
and stories this year.
On Day 2 we will focus on the importance of flood
risk management to local growth, and examine
issues relevant to local authorities and communities
across England. This will include the role of land use
planning in FCRM, the future of sustainable drainage,
and the delivery of property level resilience. We will
also explore the practical tools and support available
to risk management authorities.
On Wednesday evening we host our annual
Project Excellence Awards at the conference dinner. I
am delighted to see so many entries from across the
FCRM community and look forward to recognising
the range of partners and project teams that have
contributed to improved flood resilience in 2016.
On Day 3 we will look more widely at the
opportunities for integrated water management. Our
programme will cover the delivery and development
of natural flood management as well as global
perspectives on flood and water management. This
will be an important opportunity to look forward and
as part of this we will hear from Government on the
development of the 25 Year Environment Plan.
For me the unique element of this conference is
the diversity of the FCRM delivery community – I
look forward to the collective energy that this event
will bring as well as the opportunities for learning
and inspiring our future work together.
Look out for our daily email with some of the
highlights from each day and take part in the debate
via #FloodandCoast17. You can also join the Flood
and Coast Linkedin Group (www.linkedin.com/
groups/8348972) to keep in touch with the network
after the event.
In addition to the speakers and exhibitors, I
would also like to take this opportunity to thank our
sponsors, supporters and media partners who play
an essential role in making this event happen.
CONVENED BY
www.floodandcoast.com 3